Dishwasher Powder: The Back-to-Basics Way to Sparkling Clean

Hands up if you’ve been using dishwasher tablets.

Now, hands up if you knew about the potential presence of soluble PVA in the film covering those little rectangular blocks?

No? Hmm, it’s not exactly well known.

Since we found out, we’ve been looking to source and stock a good alternative. We’ve found the answer and gone back to basics... and dishwasher powder it is. It remains as convenient (we’re still using the dishwasher, right?), and the idea is simple: add it straight into the drawer, 20 grams at a time*. Easy!

We've taken the same approach as with our Laundry Powder - always plastic-free, vegan and cruelty-free. 

Why We Stay Away From Dishwasher Tablets

We love a good tablet for its convenience, but when we looked closer at what makes up that familiar plastic wrapper, we hit a snag. Most dishwasher tablets are encased in a film made from polyvinyl alcohol, or PVA. While it dissolves in water, it doesn’t always break down completely in the environment. What’s left behind can persist as microplastics, contributing to the growing issue of plastic pollution in our waterways and soil.

For us, staying away from these films is part of keeping our cleaning routine genuinely plastic-free. We wanted a product that delivers on performance without leaving behind hidden traces of synthetic polymers.

That’s why we moved to a powder formulation - no plastic wrapping, no mystery additives, just straightforward ingredients that do their job and biodegrade responsibly.

How to Use Our Dishwasher Powder

Getting your dishes sparkling with powder is simple, and honestly, just as easy as dropping in a tablet. Here’s how we do it:

• Give your machine a quick once-over. Remove any large food debris from plates and bowls; this stops clogs and ensures the wash cycle runs smoothly. You don’t need to pre-rinse everything, just the worst of the dirty dishes.
• Next, check your dishwasher salt level. Keeping the softener topped up prevents limescale build-up and helps the powder work its magic (especially if you live in an area with hard water).
• Now, add one tablespoon of powder - roughly 20 grams - directly into the dispenser drawer. Don’t overdo it! A little soap will wash away grease on your plates, but too much can clog the machine.
• Finally, pop in your rinse aid. This lowers surface tension, helping excess water sheet off your dishes and preventing those annoying streaks.
• Just make sure the machine is full before starting the cycle. Doing fewer, fuller loads is kinder to both your energy bill and the planet. (And remember not to stuff it so tight that the sprayer arms are blocked; if big items get in the way, not everything will get a good rinse.)

How to Stop Powder from Clumping

Since our powder comes in a paper bag and a cardboard box, it’s important to store it properly to keep it fresh. Ideally, decant it into a sealed, airtight container and keep it in a dry place, off the floor, and away from humidity.

Natural powders rely on ingredients like bicarbonate of soda (sodium carbonate) and dry minerals naturally pull water vapour out of the air. Moisture is the enemy here, as it can cause clumping or hardening. If the powder does go a bit hard, the performance won’t be affected, but breaking it back up into a free-flowing powder can be a pain, so prevention is definitely better than cure.

What Makes Our Formulation Different?

Our Dishwash Powder is unscented, cleans and degreases effectively, and contains no dyes or harsh chemicals. All ingredients are biodegradable, making it safe for septic tanks. It’s safe, effective, and eco-responsible.

If you ever notice residue on your dishes, don’t worry. White vinegar removes marks with ease. Soak them, or run a short cycle with a cup of vinegar in an empty dishwasher now and then to freshen things up (and to tackle any water hardness salts). Remember to keep those door seals wiped down regularly, and your machine will thank you.

Ready to ditch the tablets and switch to something cleaner for your kitchen and the planet? Give our Dishwasher Powder a try.

*As with other dishwasher products, if you want cool, clean, sparkling dishes free from grease, use it alongside rinse aid and dishwasher salt.